About The Team

Below is some information specific to each team member.

Shaun Robert Smith - Company Director Claire

Trained as a special effects make-up artist, then later moved into film direction at the age of 18.
He has a self professed love for film making and an air for the dramatic!
Shaun co-established Smudge Film Productions in April 2004, after the success of his short film "This Place".
Shaun's skills include Lighting, Editing, Digital Effects, Wigmaking, Photography and much much more.

Simon Rippin - Company Director Claire

Starting as a keen photographer and fan of cult media, Simon spent alot of time creating his own scripts and props.
He actively participates in productions, and is often the man with the solution to seemingly expensive issues.
Simon co-established Smudge with Shaun, and has since worked on many varying productions with the rest of the team.

Matt Choules - Technician Matt

From a 6 year education in photography (digital & analogue), he most recently moved into Multimedia pastures.
Specialising in Audio Visual production, Matt graduated with a first class degree from NTU in 2008. His skills also extend into Web Design, Audio manipulation and technical "geek-ery".
Whilst still a student his work was chosen to be featured at the Bang Film Festival and also on BBC2.
His involvement in events allowed him to create work for large european events brands & photograph the likes of the Beastie Boys, Robert Plant, Asian Dub Foundation, Aphrodite & many more...

Shaun Adams - Digital Editor Marc

Shaun is a regular at Smudge Film Productions and he also runs his own company, Shooting Star Productions. Shaun is a phenominal editor, his animated digtal characters and visual effects are equal to work produced by WETA workshops & Industrial Light & Magic.
Shaun came on board during the post-production of "THIS PLACE" and has since carried out work on many of our corporate videos.

Andy Monaghan - Technician

In 1998 Andy wrote the critically acclaimed "EVIL FRIENDS" series, of which Shaun was involved. Andy has worked on many of Shaun's projects including "THE TWITCHING DEAD", "THE FORGOTTEN GROUND" and "AWOL TO HORROR".
As well as projects for Smudge Film Productions, Andy runs "Monnys Mortuary" a company dedicated to horror film memorabilia and has produced his own string of horror films including, "TOXIC ZOMBIE", "APOCATREE", and "DEAD AT THE DOOR".
Andy met Shaun Robert Smith in 1996 during the Film/TV make-up course, straight away the two started producing short films and skits.

Daniel Dolby - Technician Daniel

Daniel has been on most Smudge Film Productions projects, having met Shaun Robert Smith in 1996 when they attended the Make-up course together.
The two then went onto the same film production course in Birmingham. He also produced his own one off cult TV show "SACK 'O' SHITE TV". Along with his CIDESCO & ITEC certificates for special effects and make-up, Daniel holds a degree in film studies.
Daniel is also a dab-hander at camera work, he was the principal camera operator on 'THIS PLACE'.

Claire Wheatley - Technician Claire

Claire was a major player during the filming of "JOE POWER: INSIDE THE MIND OF A MEDIUM". Claire also made an appearance in the documentary as a murder victim.
Like Daniel, she not only dabbles with special effects, she is also pretty handy with a camera. Claire will continue to be involved in future projects.

Clayton Fussell - Actor/Writer Clayton

Clayton has been a regular at Smudge since the short film "THIS PLACE". He was a real find; working the theatre circuit in Nottingham when we put out the ad. We originally saw five actors for the role in "THIS PLACE", but as soon we saw his dark and twisted video response, he totally blew us away. Clayton also co-wrote "THE VAMPIRE" with Simon and Shaun, as he will be taking the lead role, we wrote the part especially for him.
At the moment Clayton is attending Drama school in London.

Marc Smith - Photographer Marc

Another regular at Smudge Film Productions, and brother to Shaun. Marc has been doing photography for a number of years, which included a trip around the world. Marc comes on board for most of our film projects and corporate videos. All of Marc's photography skills are self taught. Marc has worked on most of our films including, "THE TWITCHING DEAD", "THE FORGOTTEN GROUND" and "THIS PLACE".